Classic Poem

My judgment, guided from above,
Shows me the way of truth and rest;
Urges my ling'ring feet to move,
And smites reluctance in my breast.

Ah! wherefore do I not obey
These friendly warnings of my mind?
What drives my foolish steps astray?
Another soul perverse and blind?

'Tis flesh, and lawless appetite;
These against reason's sway rebel:
These to all ill my heart incite,
These the loud voice of conscience quell.

I struggle, but alas! in vain,
Too oft in vain! with furious tide
My passions rushing down amain
Too oft my best resolves deride.

Ah! wretched me! what pow'r shall save
Me from the pow'r of sin and death?
Thou, thou alone, whose mercy gave
For captive men thy dying breath.

Come, Jesus, with forgiving grace,
Come, with thy spirit and thy word;
My past iniquities efface,
And be my saviour and my Lord.